Archaeological Assessment of Project MLP-20(100), Gwinnett County, Reevaluation

The original concept for project MLP-20(100) involved the widening and reconstruction of SR 20 on new and existing alignment in the city of Lawrenceville. The proposed project was to begin south of Luckie Street at Jackson Street then would extend northerly on new location crossing US 29 and SR 120 before tying back into SR 20. At this point, the road would be widened and reconstructed from Mill Street to an ending point south of Industrial Park Drive. Existing right-of-way on SR 20 varied from 15.2 m (50 ft) to 20.7 m (60 ft). Required right-of-way varied from 15.2 m (50 ft) to 25.6 m (85 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor in December of 1995 by Brandon Higginbotham. The revised concept for this project has not changed the beginning terminus, but the ending terminus and extent of the project has changed. The project now ties into SR 20 at Mill Street. From this point, SR 20 would be widened and reconstructed from Mill Street to just north of North Clayton Street. Also included in this project would be the realignment of North Clayton Street to intersect with SR 20 approximately 360 m (1181.2 ft) south of the existing interchange. The existing right-of-way on SR 20 varies from 15.2 m (50 ft) to 20.7 m (67.9 ft). Total required right-of-way varies from 15.2 m (50 ft) to 30 m (98.4 ft). There would also be a variable width permanent easement with a maximum width of 7 m (23 ft). An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.